For example, although Communion in the hand is generally permitted at the Vatican, in recent years ministers administrating Communion at large at papal Masses have been enjoined to distribute Communion only on the tongue. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. The elements were placed in the hands (not in the mouth) of each communicant by the clergy who were present, or, according to Justin, by the deacons alone, amid singing of psalms by the congregation (Psalm 34), with the words: The body of Christ; The blood of Christ, the cup of life; to each of which the recipient responded Amen. (eminent Church historian Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church: Ante-Nicene Christianity: A.D. 100-325 [Vol. Christ himself at the Last Supper pleaded with his Father: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us" (John 17:11, 21).Baptism has joined us to Christ and to one another as the vine and its branches. (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. Finally, the fact that the Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action tells us something about the way in which we should participate in this procession. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. Therefore I stand by what I wrote in the original: In this context I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world.. That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Catholics want to know if it is allowed for their bishops and priests to require Communion be received only on in the hand instead of on the tongue. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. Some of the online advocates of kneeling/tongue seem to focus only on adoration of the Real Presence and now a cardinal has said that those who receive standing in the hand most Catholics by far! Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? This would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4. They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. The list obviously is not complete, for this article says that Germany and France both received permission from the Holy See on the same day in 1969: The following norms must, therefore, be respected. Fast forward to 2004, when The Congregation for Divine Worship in its new Instruction named Redemptionis Sacramentum, stated: "Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand the sacred host is to be administered . All rights reserved. [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. But we doyes, verily. In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world. Thanks for this, Dennis. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. [18] Moreover, an early illuminated gospel, the Rosanno Gospels, depicts the last supper as a communion line, where the disciples receive in cupped hands while bowed. Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. This is in no way meant to refer to those who, receiving the Lord Jesus in the hand, do so with profound reverence and devotion, in those countries where this practice has been authorized.. divine life. It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. A. In this ordinance Christ ratifies his promises to his people, and they on their part solemnly consecrate themselves to him and to his entire service. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." Jamaica, 12 March 1970 Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). Your email address will not be published. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. The recent survey asking Catholics about Holy Communion indicates that 70% DO NOT BELIEVE that Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. These views are sometimes strongly held. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. Communion in the hand was officially permitted in the United States in 1977, following an indult that is, special permission given by the Congregation for Divine Sacraments in 1969. For you hear the words, the Body of Christ and respond Amen. Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true (St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247). The large numbers of faithful and the general hustle and bustle at the moment of communion make it quite easy for a host to fall to the ground. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. Ruff, I think we both agree that internal reverence is the most important aspect of this discussion (and therefore the ways each manner serves that) and I know many reverent people who do both. On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? His blood now flows through our veins. In the early Church, the faithful stood when receiving into their hands the consecrated particle can hardly be questioned. St. Dionysius of Alexandria [d. 265], writing to one of the popes of his time, speaks emphatically of one who has stood by the table and has extended his hand to receive the Holy Food (Eusebius [263-339], Hist. There is a twofold purpose here: that none will find in the new rite anything disturbing to personal devotion toward the Eucharist; that this sacrament, the source, and cause of unity by its very nature, will not become an occasion of discord between members of the faithful. It must be presumed that a priest has sufficient formation in moral principles so as to exclude an erroneous conscience in such matters. July 2, 2020 ( LifeSiteNews) Many bishops around the world are attempting to compel Catholics, who are in the right dispositions to approach the Holy Eucharist, to receive Our Lord in the. In each of the Eucharistic Prayers, though the petition is worded in slightly different ways, God is asked to send his Holy Spirit to make us one body, one spirit in Christ; the General Instruction admonishes the faithful that "they are to form one body, whether in hearing the Word of God, or in taking part in the prayers and in the singing" (no. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. With regard to the first precept, Origen of Alexandria cautions, You who are accustomed to take part in divine mysteries know, when you receive the body of the Lord, how you protect it with all caution and veneration lest any small part fall from it, lest anything of the consecrated gift be lost. From these documents, we can deduce the following points. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. That rhetorical flow and its further implicit objections (i.e., take care lest XYZ) *could* be a setup for a generous grant of indults, but given the overall negative tone I dont think it accidental or inconsequential that the prospect of permission is only mentioned in these cases where contrary practice already prevails. If, for some reason, the communicant is not able or willing to drink from the cup then that person should receive only under the form of bread. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church (330-379): "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in times of persecution.". Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the following countries and regions under Pope Paul VI:[UPDATED 3-2-18], Belgium, 31 May 1969 What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? Uruguay,October 15 1969 Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. The following norms must therefore be respected. For you believe, and correctly, that you are answerable if anything falls from there by neglect.[25]. For some, however, the singing of this hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." This is the quote that is always used: " make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. Why? Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. [16] Liturgical evidence from Rome is always sparser than one would like, but Eusebius preserves a mention of communion in the hand in a letter written from Dionysius of Alexandria to Sixtus I, bishop of Rome,[17] and in a letter of Cornelius, bishop of Rome. The Pope grants that throughout the territory of your conference, each bishop may, according to his prudent judgment and conscience, authorize in his diocese the introduction of the new rite for giving communion. Fire consumed the offering Required fields are marked *. But there is more to the story. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. For example, there is ample evidence that the exchange of peace between the people was practiced well into the Middle Ages in several European countries. It is bad if it makes us prideful/judgmental and distracts from more important things. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. On the other hand, if the sins are not so great that a person should be judged to deserve excommunication, he ought not to withdraw from the daily medicine of the Lords body.[26]. The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. awr. All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). In this way, the practice of Communion in the hand is different from other liturgical elements restored after centuries of disuse, such as the prayer of the faithful and the exchange of peace. In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. For whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. The General Instruction asks each country's Conference of Bishops to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. awr. Blog Staff and Editorial Advisory Committee, http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion, http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/rivista-notitiae/indici-annate.html, From the Wires: U.S. Catholic Priests Are Increasingly Conservative as Faithful Grow More Liberal, Yale Organ Week: Now Accepting Applications, The North American Academy of Liturgy, 2023, New Open-Access, Ecumenical Journal Powered by the University of Vienna, Is the Eucharistic Revival a Liturgical Revival (Part 2), What Did Jesus Know? The communicant replies, Amen, and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or, where this is allowed, in the hand, the choice lying with the communicant. We have no nets to cast deeply. North Africa,October 15 1969 I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. The same Instruction contained a reminder that the laws of the Church and the writings of the Fathers give ample witness of a supreme reverence and utmost caution toward the Eucharist and that this must continue. It should be noted that it is never permissible for a person to dip the host he or she has received into the chalice. Indonesia, 27 March 1971 Ever since the InstructionMemoriale Dominithree years ago, some of the conferences of bishops have been requesting the Apostolic See for the faculty to allow ministers distributing communion to place the eucharistic bread in the hand of the faithful. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful has the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. I think that settles it. Receiving communion in the hand was the common practice of the Church in both East and West for the first 800 years of Christianity, and it was certainly considered reverent by the Fathers. A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. Monaco, 31 October 1969 . If Communion is given only under the species of bread, the Priest raises the host slightly and shows it to each, saying, The Body of Christ. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. 95% of parishes shrinking, seminaries empty, young people disengaged: it will happen in Africa and Asia too when the culture of the secular West overwhelms the Third World. 915). It is adoration of Christ, meal of fellowship, union with other communicants (hence the Church wants us to sing during reception), sharing in Christs self-sacrifice, mystical union with angels & saints, sharing even now in the heavenly banquet, having the life of the Risen Christ in oneself, a call to charity and works of justice and making real on earth the peace foreshadowed in Communion, etc. My three hypotheses were less well researched opinions on my part, theyre not (that last one was a joke on Cdl Sarahs comments, sorry if that wasnt clear), but simply launchpoints in an honest discussion on the impact of Pope Pauls Indult, and the circumstances surrounding it, whether or not they hold any real merit. At the same time he has taken into account the reasons given to support your request and the outcome of the vote taken on this matter. The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed.
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